Officials in Banff National Park believe a wildlife photographer made the very bad choice of baiting wolves in the pursuit of the perfect photo.

According to the Calgary Herald, park wardens spotted a pack of wolves feasting on a turkey carcass and stew left by the side of the Bow Valley Parkway last weekend.

Human-wildlife contact specialist Steve Michel told the Herald that photographers had gathered around to take photos, but no one had reported the incident.

Wardens believe the food was left intentionally, a big no-no according to Parks Canada and good ol’ common sense.

It’s illegal to feed wild animals in Canada’s national parks, and with good reason. The offence, which can carry a $25,000 fine, is dangerous for both humans and wildlife.

A grizzly bear and her cubs cross the road in Banff National Park. (Parks Canada/Alex Taylor)

For animals, food from humans can lead them to roadsides where they’re in danger of coming into contact with vehicles, according to Parks Canada. It can also lead to eating garbage and losing their fear of human contact, which is bad news for humans who enjoy not being mauled by wild animals.

For humans, there’s also potential risk for picking up diseases like rabies. And, of course, the aforementioned maulings.

Animals who become too friendly with humans often need to be killed. You don’t want that on your conscience.

Sadly, this has happened before. In 2012, there were two incidents of feeding wildlife including rice cakes given to wolves and a sandwich given to a family of bears, reports CBC News.

If you are looking to take in the fauna in a place like Banff, Parks Canada recommends staying three bus-lengths, or 30 metres, back from most animals and 100 metres back from bears.